Abstract
To ensure that vertical lifeline systems (VLLSs) are well designed, calculation methods are required to estimate the extension of a personal energy absorber (PEA) (xPEA) and the total fall distance (hTFD). Thus, the authors conducted 28 tests to validate the accuracy of the energy balance approach for estimating xPEA and hTFD of VLLSs and propose suitable correction factors to improve the accuracy and safety of the estimated xPEA and hTFD. For 9 out of 19 tests with a PEA, the difference between the theorical xPEA and empirical xPEA was 25% or higher, indicating that the energy balance approach is not accurate for estimation of xPEA. In contrast, theoretical values of hTFD are more accurate. Linear regression equations for estimating xPEA (R2 = 0.81) and hTFD (R2 = 0.99) were developed. The regression equations can be used to improve the accuracy and conservativeness of estimations of xPEA and hTFD during the design of VLLSs.
Acknowledgements
This work was supported by the Singapore Ministry of Education and the Singapore Ministry of Manpower. The authors would also like to express gratitude to their industry collaborators: Unik-Wire Rope & Cables (S) Pte. Ltd, BMS Specialist Training Pte. Ltd, TRACTEL Singapore Pte. Ltd and PDS International Pte. Ltd for their support. The authors are also appreciative of the assistance provided by Ms Sufiana Safiena Binte Abdul Karim.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.
Correction Statement
This article has been republished with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.